Personalisation of the Dutch combined lifestyle intervention SLIMMER improves participant retention and weight-loss in people at risk for cardiometabolic disease

The Dutch combined lifestyle intervention (CLI) program SLIMMER is effective in changing lifestyle behaviour. However, achieving and maintaining a healthier lifestyle is difficult. Here, a personalised version of the SLIMMER CLI was evaluated for effects on weight loss, metabolism and lifestyle advice adherence. In this cluster-allocated controlled open-label parallel intervention study, 61 participants were included in the personalised and 60 participants in the regular SLIMMER CLI (control). Adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease were followed for 6 months. Body composition and blood samples were measured at baseline and end of study. Adherence to lifestyle advice, self-efficacy and maintenance was assessed by questionnaires. At 6 months, body weight (-4.5 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (-1.5 kg/m ² , p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (-3.5%, p < 0.001) improved more in the intervention than control group. No consistent difference in adherence to lifestyle advice or cardiometabolic outcomes was found between groups. The dropout rate was lower in the intervention group (11%) than in the control group (23%, p < 0.001). Personalisation was effective in participants retention and body weight loss, unexplained by differences in adherence to lifestyle advice. This could potentially lead to favourable long-term health outcomes.